DILG: Unfiled SOCE bars elected officials from assuming office

Elected officials who failed to submit their Statement of Campaign Expenses (SOCE) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not be allowed to assume office, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DILG stated that it would not recognize the assumption or acknowledge the oath-taking of officials who have not complied with the SOCE filing requirement.

This directive stems from the DILG's mandate to supervise local governments and enforce election-related laws.

All DILG regional and field offices have been instructed to coordinate with Comelec to verify SOCE compliance before recognizing any assumption to office at the local level.

Republic Act No. 7166 and Comelec Resolution No. 10730 mandated that candidates and political parties file their SOCEs by June 11, 2025, with no extensions granted.

Failure to file SOCE may also result in administrative fines for candidates, with repeat violations leading to stiffer penalties and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.